Positive outcome to smoking ban

A 'no-smoking' sign displayed at the outdoor section of Galleria Kotaraya food court in Jalan Trus, Johor Baru. The ruling has increased business at Indian Muslim restaurants in Johor.

JOHOR BARU: Business has picked up at Indian Muslim restaurants in Johor since the no-smoking ruling took effect on Jan 1 this year.

Johor Indian Muslim Entrepreneurs Association (Perusim) secretary Hussein Ibrahim said the number of customers patronising the outlets had increased significantly since early this year.

“A majority of them are families with children and non-smokers who now can enjoy their meals in a smoke-free environment, ’’ he said.

Hussein said at the same time, most smokers were abiding by the no-smoking ruling at all eateries in the state.

He said sales of cigarettes at 24-hour Indian Muslim eateries had declined by 25% since January but Perusim members were happy their daily earnings from sale of food and beverages had increased.

Hussein added that so far there were no reports of untoward incidents involving smokers and restaurant owners following the implementation of the no-smoking ruling.

“Smokers are aware that there are CCTVs installed at the restaurants and their act of smoking will be captured, ’’ he said.

On the situation now in view of the novel coronavirus outbreak, he said business was going on as usual at Indian Muslim restaurants in Johor.

Perusim has about 300 members, with most of them operating Indian Muslim restaurants, sundry shops, trading companies and money-changing businesses.

Another food outlet operator, Norizah Ismail, who runs Gerai Norizah at Anjung Selera Jotic next to the Johor Baru

Court building here, said her daily takings had improved since last month.

“Smokers have adjusted themselves to the ruling and the awareness and educational programmes carried out by the state health department last year was good as it has shown positive results, ’’ she said.Norizah said some regular customers, especially non-smokers and women were happy as they did not have to put up with smoke while eating.